Tantalising Tapas at Culture Club Bar de Tapas

A week ago we went to Lima, a tapas restaurant at Monte Casino. Honestly, they can’t really be considered a tapas joint; the portions are just too intricate to align to the casual nature of what tapas is supposed to be. So with a (real) tapas craving, we decided to head out to Hazelwood to check out Culture Club.

To those who haven’t been, Hazelwood is exploding into an eatery mecca. Go early to find parking, or be a hipster and take your penny farthing. But just go check it out, there really is something for all tastes (even vegetarian, I’m told).

Culture Club is a really laid-back, comfortable place to be. No pretence, no posturing; what you see is what you get. I decided on a bottle of the Warwick First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon, which goes with everything, and is always a winner.

My Initial thought was that the menu is a bit limited. I ordered the bacon wrapped stuffed jalapeno poppers, crispy garlic and parsley squid, and the chorizo pesto lollipops. Obviously to be shared with my better half (and tucking into her order). The poppers were just spicy enough; tasty, without causing internal bleeding and aneurisms. The lollipops were okay-ish, but ultimately not my favourite. But the squid. Holy tentacled splendidness, Batman! This is how squid/calamari should be prepared!

The falafel balls were also quite tasty (should you be into that sort of thing), and the breads and dips were amazing – if you only have one thing at Culture Club, go for the Taramosalata with pita. They also do spreads and bread – we had the biltong pate and bacon jam – which is nice way to wind down your visit to this establishment.

We’ll definitely be back! This is such a great place to sit and chill with friends, or hide in a corner with your partner. It really does cater for most tastes, without selling out just to cram as many people as possible in there (I’m looking at you, Spur). Many people are put off by tapas because they think it’s too expensive. We each ordered three items, had way more than enough to eat, and the bill came to the same as it would have at a “regular” restaurant.

So try it. You won’t be sorry!

Boozy Foodie – she said:

No need for me to do a full review – Noble Savage said it all!

And, as aways – his photos are much better!

There is a lot of hype about this eatery – and I can fully understand why. Super tasty food, and the ideal venue for long and lazy lunches (or dinners for that matter – we are just the opposite of vampires, we very seldom go out at night)! And a good wine list -and options to have ‘wine by the glass’ always a good idea when having a selection of eats to nibble on – with a good selection of cocktails. A word of warning though – you must book in advance, it is a very popular spot indeed.

So, until next time Culture Club, we will be back!!

(Can’t help but hear Karma Chameleon in my head very time I say “Culture Club”)